About Greg

I want to live an interesting life.

I have had sense of adventure for as long as I can remember. As a small boy I wanted to venture outside, beyond the yard; as I teenager I wanted to drive to the next township; as a young man I left my family’s country home for life in the big city. The responsibilities of obtaining a good education, climbing the corporate ladder and family duties restricted my wanderlust for many years. Venturing outside of Canada had mainly been limited to business trips and far too short and infrequent vacations. Hard work, difficult choices and some good fortune have created a set of circumstances that will allow my wanderlust to lead me on my new adventure.

I can think of no better way to travel but on a motorcycle. Other modes of travel do not provide the freedom and flexibility a motorcycle offers. I want to be free to get off the main roads, smell and feel the environment around me. Once I put my helmet on there is a solitude that I enjoy, it is peaceful and allows me to truly experience my environment. I can stop when I want to stop, turn around easily if necessary or race to my next destination.

I will turn 40 in July 2011 and have, of course, heard all the “mid life crisis” jokes and comments one would expect when planning a motorcycle journey such as mine. I consider turning 40 to be a celebration!! I feel younger than I have in years, I have confidence that I have never felt before and look forward to the future with the wonder and excitement of someone younger but with all the confidence gained in 40 years.

Turning 40 does have some downside. I do not heal as quickly as I did in my 20’s and will need to take greater caution to avoid injury. I have taken many precautions which I will share with you as my adventure unfolds. My metabolism is slowing down and I therefore can not enjoy the portion size of food I once did. I need to exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight even while paying greater attention to my diet. I will write about my hikes that I plan on taking in the US State parks, the Yucatan, Machu Picchu and elsewhere. I have come to terms with the fact that my hair gets greyer and thinner each year, but I will write no more on this topic.

I want to live an interesting life, see the world in an interesting way and share my experiences, whatever those experiences may be. I hope that you will join me while I celebrate my midlife on a motorcycle journey through the Americas.

i cannot believe my brother has so much tallent this is the first time i loged onto his site and wow im impressed with the job he has done.his talent on a bike doesnt surprise me as ive seen first hand how he does.keep up the good job and keep the bike between the lines and verticle

Greg, what a great way to share your journey. The scenery is gorgeous, Canada is such a beautiful country. A quote for you, all the best:
Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Hi Greg – I also own a Varadero (2003 FI) now got over 56 thou miles on the clock (bought second hand with 19k miles on the clock) – been all over Europe on it (mainly solo trips – camping/hostels etc). Question i have is, if i may, what lowering kit did you fit? – i see there are kits from hyperpro, TRW, Lust racing – I beleive you have to cut out about an inch from your sidestand or fit a CBF/CBR600 sidestand.

Regarding your centre stand – are you still able to use it ok – or have you cut that also? & if so, how much have you had removed?

Hello there,
We meet at Honda dealer in Costa Rica, man, you are brave I have to say! I think that you trip is one of a kind, most of all because of the fact you are traveling alone.
Again, I think the most dangerous part is done by now and you should good to go down to Argentina! Keep going and keep us post.
Best regards.

Hello Greg, best wishes for your adventures. My sister Yvonne and mom Hazel told me about your trip. I have friends down south who would meet you and host you.
one is Bailey Bedard. check out http://www.baileybedard.wordpress.com
take care, Janine

I just discovered your web site and read about your book. Very interesting!

I’m an experienced mapmaker and I’ve produced a large number of custom-made maps for motorcycle tours around the world. For ex. I’ve made all the maps in Lee Klancher’s and Phil Freeman’s book “The Adventurous Motorcyclist’s Guide to Alaska” (2012).

I`d contacted you earlier about your amazing ride.I wanted to follow up at Christmas,but a funeral sidelined that. Anyway I`d like to try again,but I`ve lost your contact number. If your still interested in giving some advice/info,I would like to call . Tom St.Thomas,Ont.

Just stumbled on your site. Looks great. Looks like we share a name and a passion for motorcycles! Look forward to reading more. Swing by my site and check out my wife’s and my adventures on our bikes as well as gear reviews!